ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES - AGRO FORESTRY RESEARCH PROJECT

 

 

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Course material 2005-2006

Prepared by: Juanita Garcia-Saqui

 

 

Course outline #1

 

Topic: An Introduction to Soils

 

 

I. Overview of Soils

§   An Introduction to Soils

§   Soil Formation

 

 

II. Soil Properties/Processes

§   Physical properties

§   Soil Water and Hydrology

§   Soil Aeration (and Temperature)

§   Soil Colloids

§   Soil Organisms

§   The Soil Solution

§   Soil Classification

 

 

III. Environmental Soils and Management Issues

§   Soil Acidity

§   Soil modification by agriculture

§   Soil degradation and pollution

§   Saline and Sodic Soils

§   Anaerobic Soils

 

 

IV. Exemplary Biogeochemical Reactions

§   BMP’s for Phosphorous

§   Phosphorus Cycle

§   BMP’s for both Phosphorous and Nitrogen

§   Nitrogen Cycle

§   Sulfur Cycles

§   Conclusion

 

 

Course Overview:

This course is intended for those who have no, or minimal, knowledge of soil science. Hence, the primary emphasis of the course is defining and describing soil properties and processes that determine the fundamental role soils play in the environment. All life literally depends on soil, effectively linking the physical and biological environments.

 

The study of soil is paramount to understanding and integrating concepts in forestry, agriculture, horticulture, geology, environmental and cultural geography, archeology, and even human history. Students in the geosciences should have a working knowledge of soil processes, formation, composition, taxonomy, and geographic location, as this knowledge is integral to understanding the complete environment. Knowledge of soils is important in the application of geographic information systems, in location analyses, in the rating of geomorphic hazards, and in environmental consulting.

 

By the end of this course, each student will have a working knowledge on soil processes that will broaden your scope of knowledge in the geosciences.

 

 

Course outline #2

 

Topic: Cultural Practices in Agro forestry

 

Mayas/Mestizo/Garifuna agricultural practices

 

 

Course Description

This course will explore traditional methods used in the various kinds of shifting agricultural systems. The concept of agro forestry in the production of food for sustenance as well as timber production will be studied. This is an application and skill oriented course that will enhance student’s knowledge of forestry and agriculture production.

 

 

Course objectives:

§   To understand the influence of cultures on soil and forestry management

§   To understand the techniques that are traditionally acceptable among rural communities

§   To explore culturally acceptable practices that are commonly used in agroforestry

§   To define and develop new and alternative methods in forestry management

 

 

 

Course outline #3

 

Topic: Introduction to pest management

 

 

I. Introduction

§   Insect Pathology and Biopesticides

 

 

II. Bacteria, fungi, virus, protozoa, nematodes

§   General Description

§   Groups

§   Reproduction

§   Infection

§   Survival

§   Host range

§   Culture

§   Biocontrol agents

 

 

III. Further identification

§   Bacteria, fungi, virus, protozoa, nematodes

 

 

IV. Pest Management for pepper production

 

 

V. Integrated Weed Management

 

 

VI. Monitoring

§   After and before planting Special Weeds Problem

 

 

VII. Insects and mites

 

 

VIII. Disease Control

 

 

IX. Effective management of a pest problem

§   Integrated Pest Management

 

 

X. Mixed species systems as a form of pest management

 

 

XI. Conclusion

 

 

Course Overview:

This course is intended for those preparing to be engaged in agriculture and its management, and who have no, or minimal, knowledge of pest management. Therefore, the primary emphasis of the course is defining and describing pests and how they can be controlled, managed and  liminated. Simply put, pests are found everywhere and they are capable  of destroying a crop at a very fast pace. The study of pest management is very important in understanding and integrating concepts in forestry, agriculture, horticulture and environmental management. Students in the agricultural sciences should have a working knowledge of pest management and its devastating effect on crops, as this knowledge is integral to understanding the complete management practices involved. Knowledge of pest management is important because if the pests are not kept under control there will be no harvest, hence no economic benefit nor food for the farmer. By the end of this course, each student will have a working knowledge of pest management that will broaden your scope of knowledge in the agricultural sciences.

 

 

Course Objectives:

§   To understand the importance of pest management.

§   To differentiate between infectious diseases and how they are transferred.

§   To obtain knowledge of:

1)     Properties common to all or most pests

2)     Vocabulary sufficient to communicate with others in agricultural production and pest management

3)     The different management strategies required for pests

4)     Problemsolving skills to manage crops and pests effectively

5)     An appreciation of the importance of pest management in agriculture, the environment, and our daily lives.